Finding a room

Leiden and The Hague are beautiful student cities and great places to live. However it can be tricky to find the right accommodation for the right price. Here you can find house-hunting tips and useful advice, both for new arrivals and students who have been with us a while.

House hunting

International students are welcome to use the services of Leiden University’s Housing Office. The Housing Office mediates between international students and DUWO housing corporation and can help you to find a room in Leiden or The Hague. Visit the Housing Office website for details of the accommodation available and how to apply.

Tips and advice

Whether you are looking for your first room, or want to move to a new place, our Finding housing yourself page is a good place to start. Here you can find up-to-date information on rental rates and housing organisations, as well as a handy Dutch terminology guide.

Look out for rental scams!

Although Leiden and The Hague have reputations as safe and welcoming cities, there are always a few rotten apples. Bogus agencies or landlords occasionally try to take advantage of (new) students by offering non-existent properties. Make sure to read our information on How to avoid a rental scam before embarking on your search for a place to stay.

Rent benefit

If you are renting a property in the Netherlands you may, in some circumstances, be able to claim rent benefit. For more information go the website of the Dutch tax authority. You are responsible for your own applications for rent benefit, but you can request assistance from De Leidse Rechtswinkel (free legal aid centre).